I re-read my post from last year (following 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022), and it starts with me saying how I was failing miserably at my reading targets, and wow, this year ended up being even worse. I only managed to finish reading 4 books in 2024, down from 7 in 2023, and of course way below my set goal of 20 (which I’ve given myself for the six years of doing this). Again, my horrible habit of starting things and then drifting off continues, as I currently have 35 books listed under “Currently Reading” in Goodreads. I will say that one contributing factor this year was that I realized that my eyesight for reading (even though I’m nearsighted) had deteriorated a bit, and I’m sure that affected wanting to read — and it was only in the fall that I got a new prescription with some bifocals, as well as dedicated reading glasses.

What am I expecting for 2025? I’m not giving up, and I do want to have a healthy reading life (outside of the web, comics, and magazines). So yup, the 20 book goal stays, and here’s hoping I make it this year — I’m currently quite actively reading two books (one fiction, one non-fiction), and so it’s off to a good start.

Below are the four books I completed in 2024, with links to my mini reviews on Goodreads.

1. Kissa by Kissa: How to Walk Japan (Craig Mod)
2. Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore (Robin Sloan)
3. Sourdough (Robin Sloan)
4. Things Become Other Things (Craig Mod)

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Okay SOME of the comics are autobiographical.

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His pal Quantum Quail insists that even if history is a random process it wouldn't permit free will.

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If only you had artificially increased inequality, you wouldn't have technically violated the rules.

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According to Green's Dictionary of Slang, the slang verb form of cock is attested in English as early as 1450 and in specifically Scottish sources by 1768. All I can figure is Macdonald was such a 'grandma' to use Tolkien's insult, that he either didn't know or couldn't imagine people taking it in a prurient way.